Religion -vs- The Gospel

"As sinners, we are prone to pursue a relationship with God in one of two ways. The first is religion/spirituality and the second is the gospel. The two are antithetical (opposite) in every way.

Religion says that if we obey God, he will love us. The gospel says that it is because God has loved us through Jesus that we can obey. Religion says that the world is filled with good people and bad people. The gospel says that the world is filled with people who are either repentant or unrepentant. Religion says that you should trust in what you do as a good moral person. The gospel says that you should trust in the perfectly sinless life of Jesus because he alone is the only good and truly moral person who will ever live. The goal of religion is to get from God such things as health, wealth, insight, power, and control. The goal of the gospel is not the gifts God gives, but rather God as the gift given to us by grace. Religion is about what I have to do. The gospel is about what I get to do. Religion sees hardship in life as punishment from God. The gospel sees hardship in life as sanctifying affliction that reminds us of Jesus' suffering and is used by God in live to make us more like Jesus. Religion is about me. The gospel is about Jesus. Religion leads to an uncertainty about my standing before God because I never know if I have done enough to please God. The gospel leads to certainty about my standing before God because of the finished work of Jesus on my behalf on the cross. Religion ends in either pride (because I think I am better than other people) or despair (because I continually fall short of God's commands). The gospel ends in humble and confident joy because of the power of Jesus at work for me, in me, through me, and sometimes in spite of me."

…the central point of the New Testament is that we are more wicked than we ever feared, yet more loved than we ever dreamed."

"A book you'll actually read On the New Testament" by Mark Driscoll

Transparent / Something new.

Hello. Although you may read this and say, "Huh? This has nothing to do with being transparent- it's about Love." It's time for transparency… on my behalf anyway. And as the title goes, "Transparent / Something new," that's exactly what my goal is (from now on) so, here goes it. (Hope I don’t loose you as I try to explain what's in my heart as best as I can.) ::smile::

"Love"
I don't know where you are; as far as your relationship with God is concerned. You may or may not have a relationship with Christ, Abbah Father, or the Holy Spirit (who are One in All). I don't know whether you believe in Him wholeheartedly or whether you do not believe in Him… the fact remains that He is real, He is alive, and He loves you with perfect and unending love; Love that goes far beyond what you think of yourself (or Him). It goes beyond where you are and what stage or level you're at in life (in relation to your Creator)… His love is far deeper than you would ever imagine. His love for you has NO end. And please don't try convincing yourself other than this truth.
It is a fact. He loves you!

I try to make sense of it and although it is almost impossible, I have a tiny glimpse of this love I'm trying to describe. (Again… tiny.) God's love is faaaar greater…and I've been finding this out.
So here it is…

Have you ever loved anyone? It's not necessary to think of a specific relationship or person. Just "love." Have you loved? Think with me for a moment…
Did we see 'fault' or 'imperfections?' Of course we did (or do)! But do we stop loving?? And I mean real love. Pure love.
No. We do not stop 'loving.' We love regardless of fault.
So, if you can agree with me on this then, why is it so hard to accept God's love? Christian or not. Ever wonder why?
Yes?
Good!
Here's what God showed me...

No matter how imperfect I may be (and yes, we all fall short of the glory of God), His love is perfect and unending. The same way we can love someone with or without imperfections, He loves us just as we are. (Can I get an Aaaaaamen to that?! He he)

Let's remember, God does not see us as we see ourselves. He sees beyond our current "status." He loves us whether we love Him or not. We simply must let ourselves be loved! My question today for you is, "Would you give Him a chance to love you?" He longs to have a relationship with you; a real, true, and tangible relationship.

So to end, and this is where the transparency part comes in, I'd like to share something personal with you. I was raised in the gospel (in church) and due to this, one may think they got this whole "church & God" thing "down packed." Maybe because we've stumbled upon God's presence from time to time or maybe even searched and "found it." Perhaps you may think your love for God has anything to do with gett'n things "down packed." But I realize that "loving God" doesn't necessarily mean that I know Him or have a relationship with Him. It doesn't necessarily mean that I'm letting Him love me!

As I take a deep breath, realizing that I don’t have things "down packed," I ask God for forgiveness for the many times I've taken His love for granted, and for simply ignoring it. And I challenge myself to allow Him to love me… and allow myself to fall deeper in love with Him.

Anyone up for a challenge?? ::smile::

Thanks for listening /reading.

P.S. "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 (It's one of my favorite verses in the Bible.)

My Smile.

I'm a Daddy's Girl!
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Tears do not always = melancholy.
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Smile.

It's Treasure

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love Him.”
1 Corinthians 2:9



There it was… treasure, sitting right on my desk. It was in one of those “Scripture Verses for Every Day of the Year” flippy things. Ya know the desk calendars? Definitely no longer a silly ole’ calendar… it’s a treasure chest! This treasure I can acquire is beautiful, priceless, and available to me daily!
How amazing!!


This verse spoke volumes to my life. It’s talking about treasure “beyond all imagining.” I am immediately reminded of Isaiah 55: 8-9 where the Lord declared, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher then your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
We cannot possibly understand heavenly things… unless the Lord himself reveals it to us. And here, in this daily verse, the Lord declares that no eye has seen or heard. We hear so many wonderful testimonies and there are many wonderful stories in the bible that declare God’s greatness… and even still, no eye has seen or heard. God is just that GREAT and our minds so finite that we have not touched even the surface. Our minds cannot conceive what God has prepared for us… for those who love Him. Do you love Him?? Then this includes you!!

Now bear with me for a second or two and imagine the most beautiful scenery in the world. Maybe you’ve even encountered this place already. Visualize the most precious jewels you’ve held or seen on display. Listen to that song that just captured every fiber of your body and soul. Join me and replay the most memorable moment of your life where all you could do that specific moment was gasp and enjoy every second of it. All I can say is… God is Greater!

Now, envision the panorama of a great desert. All those mentioned earlier were simple grains of sand in the palm of your hand. They were but mere specks of God’s goodness and glory. They cannot compare to His fullness. They cannot compared to all that He has (already) prepared for those who love Him.

I am in awe of such a God.

My God. My Daddy!

"I'll Listen for Them"

Yes… I remember it! I remember that dream.
—It was more of a revelation. It’s so clear in my mind still…

That day, I went to sleep (like any other day),
But You changed the norm to what I believe was more than a dream…

You woke me up!
The room, my clothes, everything was the same
Except…
I saw your hand… your arm… your robe
Glowing, piercing through my bedroom ceiling
You handed me a paper—then a pencil.

Your words followed right after.
I can’t say it was audible
But my spirit heard and knew what you were saying.

…You had a message; one you wanted me to write down.
I knew who it was for too!
And just as I was ready to write, I awoke!
It was already the next day!

So, here I am with paper and pen,
In total silence, as I’m laying my head
…I’m thinking about the lost souls
The ones who cannot hear, or see
Those who are precious to my Savior
But can’t find their way it seems.

I’ll listen for them.
Lord, what would you have me say?
I can almost hear that still small voice saying,
“Would you tell them?”
…So here I am.

I’ll listen … for them.

Ezekiel 22:30

"I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall

and stand before me on behalf of the land so I wont have to destroy it,

but I found none."

*Would you stand in the gap for them?

PSalms 68:19

Matthew 10:37-39

"Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."

We complain about the cross we bear but don't realize it is preparing us for the dip in the road that God can see and we cannot.

Whatever your cross, whatever your pain, there will always be sunshine after the rain... Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall;

But God's alway's ready to answer your call...

He knows every heartache, sees every tear. A word from His lips can calm every fear. Your sorrows may linger throughout the night, but suddenly vanish dawn's early light.

The Savior is waiting, somewhere above, to give you His grace and send you His love...

Matthew 11:28

"Come unto me, ye who are weary and overburdened,

and I will give you rest."

PSalms 68:19

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.

God's Rainbow

God's Rainbow

Once upon a time the colors of the world started to quarrel; all claimed that they were the best, the most important, the most useful, the favorite.

GREEN said: "Clearly, I am the most important. I am the sign of life and hope. I was chosen for grass, trees, leaves - without me, all animals would die. Look over the countryside and you will see that I am in the majority."

BLUE interrupted: "You only think about the earth, but consider the sky and the sea. It is the water that is the basis of life and drawn up by the clouds from the deep sea. The sky gives space and peace and serenity. Without my peace you would all be nothing."

YELLOW chuckled: "You are all so serious. I bring laughter, gaiety and warmth into the world. The sun is yellow, the moon is yellow, the stars are yellow. Every time you look at a sunflower, the whole world starts to smile. Without me the re would be no fun."

ORANGE started next to blow her trumpet: "I am the color of health and strength. I may be scarce, but I am precious for I serve the needs of human life. I carry the most important vitamins. Think of carrots, pumpkins, oranges, mangoes and paw paws. I don't hang around all the time, but when I fill the sky at sunrise or sunset, my beauty is so striking that no one gives another thought to any of you."
RED could stand it no longer. He shouted out: "I am the ruler of all of you. I am blood - life's blood! I am the color of danger and bravery. I am willing to fight for a cause. I bring fire into the blood. Without me, the earth would be as empty as the moon. I am the color of passion and of love, the red rose, the poinsettia and the poppy."
PURPLE rose up to his full height. He was very tall and spoke with great pomp: "I am the color of royalty and power. Kings, chiefs and bishops have always chosen me for I am the sign of authority and wisdom. People do not question me - they listen and obey."

INDIGO spoke, finally, much more quietly than the others, but with just as much determination: "Think of me. I am the color of silence. You hardly notice me, but without me you all become superficial. I respect thought and reflection, twilight and deep water. You need me for balance and contrast, for prayer and inner peace."

And so the colors went on boasting, each convinced of his or her own superiority. Their quarreling became louder and louder. Suddenly, there was a startling flash of bright lightening - thunder rolled and boomed. Rain started to pour down relentlessly. The colors crouched down in fear, drawing close to one another for comfort.

In the midst of the clamor, Rain began to speak: "You foolish colors, fighting amongst yourselves, each trying to dominate the rest. Don't you know that you were each made for a special purpose, unique and different? Join hands with one another and come to me."Doing as they were told, the colors united and joined hands. The Rain continued: "From now on, when it rains, each of you will stretch across the sky in a great bow of color as a reminder that you can all live in peace. The rainbow is a sign of hope for tomorrow."

And so, whenever a good rain washes the world, and a rainbow appears in the sky, let us remember to appreciate one another. - Author unknown

His Mercies

Lamentations 3:22-24

“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him.”

Talk about His mercies are new every morning!! Something huge just finished hitting my car and not a dent was made! Most importantly, I’m alive and well! (And so is everyone else who was at the scene!)

The Scene:
I was behind a truck on I-4 (the Expressway) going 70-75mph at rush hour around 5:15pm with cars to my left, front and rear, on a double-lane road. Suddenly, this ‘thing’ came flying toward my car!!! It hit the hood of my car and bounced off toward the car behind me! It looked like a lid or something to that nature. The truck rode right over it without noticing it, and this ‘thing’ bounced off of its tires and hit my car, bounced off of mine and so forth.
-End of scene-

I didn’t panic—thank God! But, seconds later, it hit me! That ‘thing’ could have hit and broken my front glass window, yet it hit the hood instead- and even more so, it bounced off of my car and it didn’t hit any other car!! It could have been a rock and, at that speed, it could have instantly broken my window! It could have been… but it wasn’t... and it didn’t… and I am more than grateful that God saved me from a terrible accident, and He saved those around me too!

I absolutely have to quote this verse!

Psalm 34:7 “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them.”

Simple as that! God is an awesome God!

Today He was pleased in giving me another day of life and I am totally in debt with Him; nothing new—I always have been. But, God knows I messed up on Him just yesterday. Where would I have been? I think of how He saved me today, and how He saved my soul even before I was born! (He knew me even then.) There is no way I can repay Him... but this I know… His blood was not shed in vain. His blood and sacrifice cannot be measure or priced. I will do my best to serve Him and to lead others to His wonderful saving grace.

Prayer:

Thanks Dad. You gave me another gift. I cherish You and I Love You so SO much. My heart breaks for those who still don’t know You—this Wonderful God. My Daddy. And my heart breaks even more for those who have rejected You. They don’t want this awesome love You offer? Then I’ll have it!

XOXOXO I am in awe of You. XOXOXO

I LOVE YOU!!

Yari

Luke 1:50

“His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation.”

"The Hug Poem"

Every so often one finds writing that is trully worth sharing...

and this is definitely one of those!

Mental Note: I hope one day someone, somewhere will also find comfort in my writing. :)

"The Hug Poem" by Bradley Hathaway

I read about how you touched them and they were healed or even if someone just touched your cloak they were forever changed. You let a broken woman bathe your feet in her tears And you washed your best friend's feet. I'm just wondering, though, Did you ever just HUG people?
I know it's a silly question and all, I'm sure you would have (why wouldn't you have?) But it's one of those things that was NEVER mentioned And it got me thinking about it And how whenever there was a touch from you sins were forgiven and sickness fell
I think I'm caught up with my sins And LAST TIME I checked all my body parts are working NOTHING special here. Im just a kid with a Heavy Heart these passing sunrises and sunsets
I don't think our encounter would have ended up in your GOSPELS or anything Becuase ALL I Really NEED is a hug Thats ok for me to imagine, Right? That's not conflicting with any sort of Theology, is it?
Okay good.
Then HUG me.
But not one of these SIDEWAYS one-arm-around-the-neck type hugs Or the GHETTO right hand CLASP FISTS Elbows to Chest PAT PAT on the Back Back OR THE you put your Right arm over my Left arm and I put my Right arm under your Left arm And we make this weird SORT-of-diagonal thing
Naw.. none of those!
BEAR HUG ME, MAN!
Take your old-school carpenter arms And THROW them around my Upper Body leaving my arms dangling underneath yours somewhere and I can barely move them BECAUSE you're SQUEEZING me so HARD. (But don't pick me up and make my back pop because I HATE it when people do that.) And then hold me.
HOLD ME HERE in your arms until I start to CRY!
Because I want to CRY!
but just can't seem to do it on my own.
I've been teary eyed ONCE recently but not even enough for a DRIP Down my CHEEK
There's just HURT in my soul That needs to be purged SO HOLD ME HERE in this hugging pose Until the pain is flowing from my eyes and nose

"Life & Me" Part I

This is not today's but I thought it would be good to let you in on what I was thinking back on...

September 14, 2007

Well, I was sitting here beginning to analyze my life and you know what?--I have a good life! Sure I can talk about certain things I’d like to be different, and sometimes I feel down and would probably looove to go on and on complaining. (But I don’t go on and on… I just stop after a lil while. 'smile' ) I suppose, at the moment, I’m just not analyzing my life, as I am now.

So, here I am… almost 27. (My birthday is in 5 days. Whoopee.) Notice the sarcasm. (Not good.)—Still alive and not in hell. Breathing and thanking God for another day! ANYway… so, I’m 26 and ¾, still single (I won’t go there right now), with no kids, and nobody bothering me (nagging strangers, neighbors, parents or friends I mean). I have a job (that’s as far as I’ll go with that)—getting some type of money at least. I have a good relationship with my boss. I go to a nice church with a great worship team. I have friends! Some people can’t say they have those. I have wonderful parents. (And I truly mean that.) You kind of learn to appreciate them as time goes by. (I won’t say—as you get older.) My brothers don’t beat me up anymore. We actually get along. (At least when we’re far from each other! ha ha) I have a great cook for a mom, and she saves the left-over’s for me so I don’t have to spend money on lunch—or my taste buds on bad food. I have nieces and nephews that I love with all my heart… and the youngest is my God-daughter. Plus there was an addition to the fam. 6 months ago. My great-nephew is gorgeous!
I’m not in trouble with the law. I don’t have baby-daddy drama. I own “my own” car and I’m responsible; for the most part. I own at least or almost 150 books—including the bible. Do You own one?? You should. So, Yes… I love reading. Believe me; it happened during the course of time. Warning: It can happen to you! I’m a girly girl. I can actually do my own make-up (thanks to my fav. girls here in FL)… I accessorize, and sometimes wear heels. (he he) I don’t owe my life and possessions to bill collectors... only to Christ! I can manage my money pretty well. My only drug is chocolate and even that I’ve cut down on. So let’s call it a ‘craving.’ I have a great sense of humor—& if ya couldn’t tell, I can be pretty comical too! I’m a people person. I have good moral values. I keep a journal. Well, probably 5 or 6! All of which I do NOT write in every day. lol Not even weekly. But I own them. I Write. I call it, “Thoughts on Paper.” I also blog and post bulletins! You should try it too! I sing—and I’m beginning to write my own songs. I usually start them and never finish them. But I promised myself I’d finish them all some day. I have goals (and fantasies). Not all are clear, but I know certain things I’d like to do before I go home one day.

Aaahhh ::sigh of relief and daydream:: Heaven.

My hair is real. (No offense to the buyers and users—I’m just being thankful.) I know how to cook. And when I do, I do it well! I know how to do the laundry without messing up the clothes. I speak 4 languages. English, Spanish, some Sign Lang., and Spiritual Tongues (Acts 2:4). I have all 5 senses in tact… and most of my teeth. (You couldn’t tell any were missing had I not mentioned it huh?) I can walk, talk and type, think (straight), ride a bike, and make pretty hairstyles with my hair—not all at the same time… but I can. I have a cell phone and I can call and receive calls from whoever I want, whenever I want. (Well, almost.) Being that I only have one ovary, my period lasts 3 days. Seriously, only 3 days. And they are almost always painless. I don’t get cranky (all the time). Men, don’t believe that women have-to-be cranky and get what they want every single time they get their period. (You can give them everything they want every other days of the year! he he) Really, it can be bad, but it’s not all that bad.
I don’t think men are dogs. Dogs are "man's" best friends. hehe j/k Seriously though, Why do some women wanna bash men and then cry when they don’t have one and visa-versa?? We all have ‘issues.’ Some just don’t know how to deal with them—men and women alike. I plan on getting married someday (hopefully soon) and I sure know I ‘aint’ marrying a dog. I’m marrying a man of God, who’s gonna enjoy a woman of God. ::wink:: “I know who I am.” He’s gonna be glad he found me—Proverbs 18:22 “He who finds a wife finds what is good (treasure) and receives favor from the Lord.” Got that ladies? We are God's treasure. I can enjoy a nice peaceful day at home and not think it’s “boring.” I’ve traveled to other places by air. And no, I don’t mean a punch that threw me across the room. (he he) I enjoy a nice automotive ride from time to time. A specific destination is not necessary. I love smiling and laughing. And I love causing others to smile and laugh.—In short, I enjoy life.

With that said… let me remind you that none of this could be possible or testified of if I didn’t have Jesus in my heart. Yes, I’ve gone through situations that at times I feel were “unfair” or straight out “bad” –and they were. But even through those times, I see that I’ve only survived because I have Jesus in my life. Now I thank God for every situation in my life because I have matured through them. I still have maturing to do—perhaps even a longs way to go, but I have God. And I have the Bible. Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. It’s our manual—one we shouldn’t live without. I’ve seen first-hand that I am alive and well because I have a relationship with my Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit who is my Comforter and Counselor. I seriously know that I am alive due to this. I know that no matter what may come, I am alright because God loves me, I’ve accepted His love, and I love Him.

So, that’s Life… and Me! :)